Letter from the Editor
After the last exhibition in October 2015, I thought I was ready for the next project, but I couldn't seem tomove on. So, we've launched a movement, a new website (which you can find here), and this new magazine.
This magazine is for people like you and me, who want to see Mother Nature better protected. Who know the endless stream of environmental destruction stories (necessary though they are) are leaving people feeling helpless, not energised. Celebrating Gaia's beauty and sharing stories of the great work being done to heal her can drive change.
It's also for those of us who know that art can be a powerful tool. Ansel Adams’ photography of the Sierras led to the designation of the first lands as National Parks in the United States. Sebastiao Salgado’s long-term project, Genesis, helps us see, marvel, understand the necessity for the protection of nature and inspire action for its preservation.”
There is much beauty to preserve and we don’t have to go far to find it. In our own country, county and hometown, Gaia’s glory abounds. We already know this, but now it’s time to tell everyone. Mother Earth is in the trees that line the street we live on. She’s in our parks, woodlands, and coastline. She’s even in our back yards and in the kitchen gardens planted on abandoned bits of land.
I hope you enjoy this issue. We would love to hear from you; comments, suggestions, requests are all welcome. Just email [email protected].
We're so excited that our first issue is finally ready to go; this publication has been a long time in gestation. The story starts many years ago.
I grew up in the concrete jungles of the Far East but despite that, or maybe because of it, I fell profoundly in love with Gaia (Mother Earth). That love was separate from my “normal” grey life where I was a responsible employee. Every day I woke up saying “be thankful you have a job” while trying to quell the voice in my head saying “yes, but…”. I wanted out, but didn’t have the courage to make a change. Photographing nature brought me solace and peace.
The more time I spent outdoors, the more I knew the next thing I did had to be around helping us find our way back to reverence for Mother Nature. In April 2014 I made the leap and became a full-time landscape photographer. It hasn’t been the easiest journey but there is no substitute for greeting every morning with enthusiasm (no mean feat for a non-morning person!).
On Your Doorstep started as a photographic project in Scotland in 2014. Dumbfounded that so many people weren't aware of the beauty right on their doorsteps, I roped my long-suffering husband into an 18-month venture that would take us to seven non-iconic places across England, Sotland and Wales. We photographed then exhibited what we'd seen. At each exhibition, people would say to us "I never knew that was there".
Dotted throughout the magazine you'll find stories showing the progress we're making in our fight to protect and restore Mother Earth.
Editors: Karen Thurman, Mick Thurman,
Lisa Dorenfest
Established: May 2016
Website: www.gaiaguardians.org
Email: [email protected]
For information about submitting to the magazine, please email [email protected] or see the Submissions page on our website
News
Around the world so many people are investing time and effort in projects to protect and restore nature. In this issue we look at the Watershed Project in California , focussing on watershed resources across the state. We're also taking a look at the new Charter for Trees. If you love trees even half as much as I do, you'll want to read the story. Trees and woods inspire stories, but these stories are fading into memory; our trees are at risk of being forgotten. The Charter team invites you to share your stories.
Projects
We have a feast for you in our first issue. Mark Reeves shows us what is literally on his doorstep from his window at home. Jim Roberston tempts us northwards with his stunning images of a part of Scotland he knows and loves well. Lisa Dorenfest's nomadic doorstep is enough to make anyone want to throw in their jobs and go sailing around the world. Joyce Harper's paintings are derived from photographs she makes as she goes about daily life. The vibrant colours and patterns capture nature so very well.
Visual art and literature
Contents
(c) JM Robertson
(c) Lisa Dorenfest